New season in Hong Kong offers enhanced digital content and on-course entertainment experience

03/09/2013

Hong Kong’s 2013/14 racing season commences on Sunday, 8 September with a Triple Trio jackpot of HK$46 million in the first week of racing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is rolling out the latest innovative developments in its customer-led drive to create an enhanced entertainment experience for today’s dynamic race-goers.

During his annual pre-season press conference at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Tuesday 3 September, the Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Customer and Marketing, Mr Richard Cheung, revealed the three new digital and information offerings for the new season:

A live webcast TV added to Betting Apps for selected customers

An App acting as the 2nd Screen of the Club’s Chinese racing program which is a global first in the racing industry

Increase in content on the Jockey Club website such as daily track work clips, plus more racing statistics for customers to study

Besides the increased content, there will also be another full season of Happy Wednesday programs.

“We will forge ahead with our strategy to promote horseracing as an entertainment experience by investing in the latest enhanced digital and on-course offerings, which will continue to help position Hong Kong racing as a global leader in the sport of horse racing,” said Mr. Cheung.

“Last season the Club posted significant growth in attendance and turnover that can be attributed in large part to our successful delivery of a dynamic, modern racing experience in line with the aspirations of our energetic, tech-savvy clientele,” said Mr. Cheung, who highlighted the popular Happy Wednesday experience at Happy Valley Racecourse.

“Happy Wednesday has become a must-do in Hong Kong – the word is out that Happy Valley is the place to spend Wednesday night unwinding with friends in a vibrant and exciting environment,” he continued. “This is reflected in a 43% rise in attendance for race goers aged 35 and under at these venues.” The Club’s food and beverage business at Happy Wednesday Venues, including Beer Garden, Gallery and Adrenaline, increased by 65% in the past season.

“Given the overwhelmingly positive response from race-goers, this season we will again have a full Happy Wednesday program, including Oktoberfest and Music Rocks the Valley in the Beer Garden. We are also introducing new digital tools in our venues, the details of which will be announced during the season.” said Mr Cheung,

“It is also pleasing to see that our Sha Tin racecourse developments led to notable gains in attendance last season, too”

With various new venues also coming into service throughout the 2013/14 season, Mr Cheung invited all racing fans and public to enjoy the experience first-hand, starting with the season-opener at Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday, 8 September.